A few minutes with ... Terron Armstead

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; Source: http://theadvocate.com/sports/saints...-minutes-with-
Tackle Terron Armstead, one of the Saintsí two third-round draft picks this spring, talks about his first training camp, rookie hazing and his biggest challenge trying to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
The Advocate: How did ...

Tackle Terron Armstead, one of the Saintsí two third-round draft picks this spring, talks about his first training camp, rookie hazing and his biggest challenge trying to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

The Advocate: How did your first NFL training camp go?

Terron Armstead: Itís been going pretty well. I had some trouble with a few mistakes, learning technique, but things are going pretty smoothly now. I feel like Iíve made strides.

TA: Do you still feel like a rookie, or have you graduated yet?

Armstead: Iím just focusing on getting better every day, trying to work on my technique and taking care of what I can.

TA: Part of the initiation into the league is rookie hazing, like singing in the cafeteria? Did you have to do anything like that?

Armstead: Yeah, I rapped for the team Ö with a little freestyle. We had to dress up in some spandex and wear a helmet with no facemask all day. So thereís been some fun stuff.

TA: Did you have to sing your school song from Arkansas-Pine Bluff?

Armstead: No, I didnít sing because our school doesnít have a fight song.

TA: What was your biggest challenge coming into training camp?

Armstead: Just the new technique, just having to pretty much revamp everything ó starting with the stance and pass sets. So we were starting from scratch with a lot of things.

TA: What are your strengths right now?

Armstead: I think Iím a pretty powerful guy, an explosive guy. I have quick feet and quick hands, so Iím just trying to hone all those things and trying to put them all together to be one really good play.

Sheldon Mickles

TA: Whatís your favorite food now that youíre living in New Orleans?

Armstead: The food is great. Iíve been touching some of everything, but Iím finally starting to come around to seafood ó Iíve had some oysters, catfish and shrimp. Itís pretty good food.

Overview
Armstead wasnít only a very good football player in high school, but he was also a key part of a record-setting championship track and field team. In his senior year of high school, Armstead led the team with a toss of 62 feet, 3 inches in the shot put.

Armstead received several Division I football scholarship offers coming out of high school, but elected to attend Arkansas-Pine Bluff because his coach, former Redskins linebacker Monte Coleman, was the only one that would allow him to also participate in track and field. Armstead not only managed to be a three-time All-SWAC football player, but also an eight-time SWAC champ in track and field.

Over his career for Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Armstead has played in 37 games. He started all 12 games at left tackle in his senior season. Armstead really made a name for himself at the East-West Shrine Game, where he performed extremely well. His play was so promising that he was called to play in the Senior Bowl as an injury replacement for Dallas Thomas.

Strengths
Armstead is a fantastic athlete for the position. He is light on his feet in pass protection, and nimble when on the move. Agile, moves well in space, shows the quickness to get to the second level and cut off linebackers. Has been asked to pull all the way across the line and has shown effectiveness in doing so. Bends and redirects well. Extends his arms to keep pass rushers at bay. Not overwhelmed by defensive twists and stunts. Does a good job of selling play fakes, draws, and screens.

Weaknesses
Needs to improve lower body strength. Can get bull rushed back. Faced sub-par competition. Needs to speed up hands, and be more consistent with his aiming point. Gets to the second level quickly, but will struggle to locate his target, gets lost in space. Will lunge at defenders with his head down in the run game.

NFL Comparison
Duane Brown

Bottom Line
Armstead has been a fast riser in the postseason process. He's got an intriguing athletic skill set. Despite facing sub-par competition in season, he's shown the ability to be a good pass protector, and contribute as a run blocker. He can likely stay outside, although some teams might see him as a guard.